Curriculum+Mapping

= About Curriculum Mapping =


 * Curriculum mapping** is an innovative approach to curriculum design and alignment. Mapping is an ongoing process through which teachers reflect on instruction and revise according to student needs.


 * Published maps** serve as a resource for other teachers and provide parents with a clear view of instruction and assessment in their children's classes.

Curriculum mapping begins with the individual teacher's detailed account of what happens in his or her classroom. Individual maps are then examined by groups of teachers for redundancies and gaps and revised appropriately to ensure alignment across grade levels (**vertical**) and within grade levels or courses (**horizontal**).

Ultimately, all teachers in the school agree on the essential content, skills, and assessments for each course to ensure mastery of all standards. The data is then published in a curriculum map.


 * Curriculum maps** cover a wide range of important curricular activities. Typically, they attempt to: address the total education of the students in a building by creating a photograph of the educational activities of every classroom within a school district. Depending on available technology, curricular maps can be simple or elaborate, and can encompass individual schools or a cluster of schools in a district.

Regardless of the organization method, curriculum maps address the major ideas and projects that drive a class, as opposed to attempting to map every topic of discussion in classrooms, which would unnecessarily consume time and energy. One of the most important features of curriculum maps is that they are geared to the school calendar, and each teacher's time line is precisely displayed on the map.

Equally important, on-line maps provide parents and community members with a glimpse into their schools. Parental access is important since it establishes a relationship between the school and community.